Department: Music (Theory & Composition)
Position #: FL0465
Hire Term: Fall 2023
Start Date: August 16, 2023
Job Title: Assistant Professor
Classification: Tenure-Track
Appointment Percent: 100%
Contract Term: 9 months
Applicant Reviewers: Amanda Rhodes, Emily Livingston, Gina Thomas
Open Date: October 4, 2022
Review Date: November 2, 2022
Job Purpose:
The Gonzaga University Music Department in Spokane, WA invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track composer and music theorist at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning Fall 2023.
We invite candidates who demonstrate creativity and innovation in musical composition, excellence and innovation in teaching undergraduate theory courses, mentorship of student composers within a liberal arts environment, vision and commitment to the development of a dynamic undergraduate composition and theory program, and dedication to service and teaching within a diverse community. Teaching responsibilities include music theory and composition courses; additional courses may include aural skills, core courses, and advanced seminars in special topics, determined by the department and the candidate’s areas of specialization.
In alignment with Gonzaga University’s mission, we welcome applicants with direct expertise and cultural competence, and who incorporate social justice, diversity, global engagement, and care for/solidarity with people from vulnerable and marginalized communities into their work. Candidates who have experience working with faculty, staff, and students from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences, and who can contribute to the departmental ethos and campus climate of inclusivity are encouraged to identify their experiences in these areas.
Applicants should be comfortable working in a liberal arts setting that fosters faculty collaboration and student engagement both inside and outside the classroom. In spring 2019, Gonzaga University opened the new Myrtle Woldson Performing Arts Center, a facility with two performance halls for innovative collaborations. Thus, we seek a colleague with potential for interdisciplinary collaboration with departments and programs in the College of Arts and Sciences such as Visual Art and Theatre and Dance.
All members of the department contribute to and participate in student advising, peer review of teaching activities, department assessment and evaluation, academic citizenship, and recruiting.
Gonzaga University is an internationally prominent university with a faculty dedicated both to innovative teaching and to socially transformative and justice-oriented research. University centers of global engagement include Colombia, Zambia, and Florence, where Gonzaga has an established branch campus.
• Teaching load consists of nine credits each semester to teach Music Theory, Composition, and other courses according to the faculty’s interest and expertise which could include core courses and advanced seminars in special topics.
• All tenure track faculty are expected to establish and maintain an active and well-defined agenda for Professional Development and Creative/Scholarly Endeavors.
• In addition, all members of the department contribute to and participate in student advising, reflective and effective teaching that includes equity and diversity-minded teaching practices, department assessment and evaluation, academic citizenship, program development, and recruiting.
Required Qualifications:
• Ph.D. or D.M.A. in Music Theory and/or Composition
• Evidence of composing acoustic and/or digital media music that has been performed, recorded, published, reviewed, or professionally recognized
• Evidence of innovative teaching in an undergraduate theory and composition program
• Evidence in composing music utilizing basic software, hardware, and digital media
• Evidence of having directed or collaborated with a live ensemble for at least one performance project
• Evidence of creating inclusive learning and performing environments.
Desired Qualifications:
• Evidence of developing a curriculum that integrates music literacy, creation, and performance
• Evidence of having composed in a variety of musical styles, genres, and forces
• Demonstrated success/interest in collaborating with music and interdisciplinary colleagues to include but not limited to: theater, dance, and/or digital media
• Evidence of compositions or creative collaborations that address social justice, diversity, global engagement, and/or solidarity with marginalized communities
• Demonstrated success recruiting regionally and nationally
• Evidence of creative initiatives in composition or theory with secondary school teachers
• Demonstrated keyboard proficiency for teaching undergraduate music theory and aural skills
To apply, please visit our website at www.gonzaga.edu/jobs. Applicants must complete an online application and submit the materials below.
• Cover letter
• Curriculum Vitae
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy (2-page max) that includes your approach to teaching music majors and non-majors, inclusive approaches to engaging students from diverse identities, backgrounds, and experiences, and identifies your perspective and expertise in teaching theory and composition including your vision for a successful composition program in the context of a liberal arts institution
• Names and contact Information of 3 (three) professional references (letters will be solicited from candidates on the short list)
• Link(s) to recording and scores for two original compositions
Questions about this position can be directed to Dr. Peter Hamlin, Chair, Music Department, at hamlin@gonzaga.edu. Position remains open until filled; for best consideration, please submit materials by November 2, 2022. For assistance with your online application, please contact Human Resources at (509) 313-5996.
Gonzaga University is a Jesuit, Catholic, humanistic institution, and is therefore interested in candidates who will contribute to its distinctive mission. Gonzaga University is a committed EEO/AA employer and diversity candidates are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their disability status and/or protected veteran status. Applicants with disabilities needing reasonable accommodations to complete the application or hiring process should contact Human Resources (509) 313-5996.